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The Vantage View video series is made in collaboration with Bloomberg Media Studios.

SYDNEY, March 22, 2024  — Award-winning, multi-asset broker, Vantage Markets (“Vantage”) is thrilled to announce the release of the third episode of its highly anticipated series, The Vantage View.

Produced in collaboration with Bloomberg Media Studios, this latest episode delves into the transformative power and investment potential of Asia’s electrified mobility landscape with a forward-looking focus on sustainable mobility. Viewers learn from Andrey Berdichevskiy, Partner & Associate Director at Boston Consulting Group (BCG), who leads the Southeast Asia Centre for Climate & Sustainability.

Berdichevskiy discusses the evolving dynamics of the global automotive industry, where the rapid adoption of Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) is poised to reach a staggering 59% of total light-vehicle sales by 2035. Meanwhile, the global fleet of electric two-wheelers – used largely in Asia – is expected to triple by 2040, highlighting Asia’s pivotal role in the EV transformation.

Berdichevskiy also identified a number of investment opportunities across the EV supply chain, from raw materials to battery component technology and charging infrastructure.

“We’re pleased to present our third instalment of The Vantage View, made in collaboration with Bloomberg Media Studios, to provide viewers with valuable insights into the transformative possibilities of Asia’s electrified mobility landscape,” states Jack Kelly, Head of Sales at Vantage Australia.

“As the shift towards sustainable transportation gains momentum, this episode offers a timely examination of the investment potential and market dynamics driving the future of mobility.”

NEW DELHI, March 22, 2024 — PayU, one of India’s leading digital financial services providers, is proud to announce the launch of a first-of-its-kind Downpayment EMI solution that enables customers to make a partial payment upfront while remaining can be converted into easy EMIs, making high-ticket purchases more affordable & accessible.

PayU merchant partners can now offer their customers the flexibility to decide the downpayment amount with Credit Card EMI, and even combine UPI with Credit Card EMIs for greater affordability and convenience. This no-code solution offers No Cost EMI with pre-decided downpayment options and control over subvention, helping merchants increase revenues and empower customers to save on EMI interests while fulfilling their aspirations.

Speaking at the launch, Manas Mishra, Chief Product Officer – PayU, said, “At PayU, we have always gone above & beyond to identify gaps in the online payment experience, and solve them with a customer-first mindset. With our first-of-its-kind Downpayment EMI solution, we have replicated the flexibility & convenience of downpayment options available in offline EMIs to disrupt the online payments space. This will not only empower consumers by making it easier for them to access the products they want, when they want, without compromising on their financial well-being, but also equip merchants with a powerful tool to drive sales with higher customer loyalty.”

As per Deloitte India’s ‘Future of Retail’ 2023 report, the country’s online retail penetration is projected to grow at an extraordinary rate, outpacing offline retail by 2.5X in the next decade. As India ascends to become the world’s third-largest consumer market, the online retail sector is expected to surge to $325B by 2030. As the Indian digital lending ecosystem grows at a rapid pace, key technological advancements such as the down-payment EMI solution are set to unlock new efficiencies and introduce millions of Indians to organized credit in years to come.

ADMISSION TO DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY AND POST GRADUATE PROGRAMMES – 2024

PUNE, India, March 22, 2024  — Defence Institute of Advanced Technology (DIAT) is a Technological Institute of National repute of MoD/DRDO for higher learning. The Institute imparts education and training in the Advanced Technologies used for Tri-services, DRDO, DPSU’s etc.

The main focus of the institute is to evolve as an Innovative Unique Education/ Training and Research University to develop indigenous contemporary defence related technologies and also to provide technological solutions to the Services. DIAT is committed to generate high quality and talented human recourse in broad areas of Defence Technologies to cater the needs of DRDO, Armed Forces and other Defence establishments. The PG programmes are designed to include course of study, seminars, industry tours, Practice School and project/ thesis in association with DRDO/DPSU and other agencies through which a student may develop his/her concepts and intellectual skills. Above all, the students should have a capacity for free and objectives enquiry, courage and integrity, awareness and sensitivity to the needs and aspirations of society.

DIAT announces admissions to the following Doctor of Philosophy and Post Graduate programmes for the academic year 2024-25, to eligible Indian citizens:-

A.    MASTER OF TECHNOLOGY (M.TECH.) PROGRAMMES: Aerospace Engineering (Guided Missiles), Aerospace Engineering (UAVs), Modeling and Simulation, Computer Science and Engineering (Artificial Intelligence), Electronics & Communication Engineering (Signal Processing & Communication), Electronics & Communication Engineering (Radar and Communication),  Electronics & Communication Engineering (Defence Electronics Systems), Electronics & Communication Engineering (VLSI & Embedded Systems ^), Technology Management, Data Science, Cyber Security, Renewable Energy, Green Technology, Nano Science and Technology, Quantum Computing, Sensor Technology (ST)/ Laser and Electro-Optics (LEOC), Materials Engineering, Automation and Robotics, Mechanical Engineering (Marine Engineering), Mechanical Engineering (Armament and Combat Vehicles), Mechanical Engineering (Mechanical System Design) and Systems Engineering ^@

MUMBAI, India, March 22, 2024  — Frost & Sullivan proudly announces the launch of its prestigious awards ceremonies- the 15th edition of the Sustainability 4.0 Awards and the 20th edition of the India Manufacturing Excellence Awards (IMEA). These awards aim to recognize and celebrate enterprises at the forefront of manufacturing excellence and sustainable practices. The Award ceremony is scheduled to take place on December 13, 2024.

India Manufacturing Excellence Awards (IMEA)

IMEA honors organizations across automotive, industrial engineering, FMCG, pharmaceutical, healthcare, and metals-based sectors for their manufacturing excellence. Over the past 19 years, IMEA has been instrumental in advancing manufacturing capabilities, optimizing supply chains, and enhancing production systems in India. The awards ceremony marks a significant milestone in recognizing the country’s earliest and most respected assessment-based manufacturing award.

Rahul Sharma, VP & Global Head, Digital Transformation & Sustainability Practice at Frost & Sullivan, highlighted the evolution of Indian manufacturing capabilities, stating, “With the implementation of advanced manufacturing practices and infrastructure enhancements, Indian manufacturing has undergone remarkable improvements in recent decades.” He underscored Frost & Sullivan’s pivotal role in enhancing operational excellence through rigorous assessment methodologies and collaborative knowledge-sharing initiatives, thereby delivering tangible value to clients and positively influencing their bottom-line performance.

Sustainability 4.0 Awards

In the dynamic industrial sphere of today, sustainability stands out as a crucial element influencing both manufacturing and service sectors, prompting organizations to integrate practices aimed at lowering carbon emissions and promoting responsible resource management.

Sustainability 4.0 Awards honors companies that have demonstrated outstanding commitment to sustainability across four pillars: purpose, partnership, planet, and people. Since its inception, Frost & Sullivan has been recognizing businesses that lead the change in sustainability, emphasizing the importance of holistic approaches to business, society, and the environment. Nominations are now open, with the deadline for submissions set for March 31st, 2024.

Emphasizing on the imperative of sustainable business strategies the upcoming edition, Rahul Sharma said, “In today’s ever-evolving world, implementing sustainable business strategies is not just an option, but a necessity for business continuum and long-term value.” He further highlighted Frost & Sullivan’s commitment to expanding the scale of the sustainability journey in India and fostering business value through the awards program.

The Sustainability 4.0 Awards program features three levels of recognition – ‘Believers,’ ‘Challengers,’ and ‘Leaders‘ – with predefined qualifying scores. The top two highest-scoring companies will receive the prestigious ‘Sustainable Manufacturer of the Year’ and ‘Sustainable Business of the Year’ awards, respectively. Additionally, the ‘Jury Special Mention Award’ will be conferred for outstanding initiatives contributing to environmental protection, social well-being, and/or economic prosperity.

Individual Achievement Awards

In the 2024 awards editions, Frost & Sullivan introduced the Individual Achievement Awards, celebrating exceptional leaders in manufacturing transformation and sustainability/ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) initiatives. These prestigious accolades honor individuals who have exhibited outstanding leadership, innovation, and unwavering dedication to fostering transformative change within their industries.

Participation Information

Interested companies can download the application forms for both awards ceremonies via the following links:

Sustainability 4.0 Awards: https://frost.ly/7zb

India Manufacturing Excellence Awards (IMEA): https://frost.ly/80m

Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, March 11, 2024: FertiCARE IVF Centre in Vijayawada marked a significant milestone in its journey towards eliminating the stigma associated with infertility by hosting a heartwarming baby shower celebration. This event, held in honor of mothers-to-be who have successfully conceived through In vitro fertilization (IVF), coincides with the center’s first anniversary. 

Infertility remains a sensitive and often stigmatized issue in many societies, causing emotional distress and societal pressure for those experiencing it. In India, approximately 10-15% of married couples are affected by infertility, according to the Indian Society of Assisted Reproduction (ISAR). FertiCARE IVF Centre aims to challenge these societal norms by fostering a supportive environment where individuals and couples can seek fertility treatments without fear or judgment. 

Dr. Prathyusha Javadi, Clinical Head at FertiCARE IVF Centre, expressed her gratitude to the patients, staff, and community for their unwavering support throughout the centre‘s inaugural year. We have been able to bring the joy of parenthood to many lives in this one year through our expertise, commitment, and compassionate approach. Our mission at FertiCARE IVF Centre goes beyond just helping individuals conceive; it’s about empowering them to embrace their journey towards parenthood with confidence and dignity. 

The baby shower celebration serves as a testament to the triumphs of those who have overcome infertility with the help of advanced reproductive technologies offered at FertiCARE IVF Centre. The event not only celebrated the joyous journey towards parenthood but also highlighted the centre‘s commitment to providing compassionate care and personalized treatment options to its patients. 

FertiCARE IVF Centre offers a comprehensive range of fertility treatments, including Intrauterine Insemination (IUI), In vitro fertilization (IVF), Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI), In vitro maturation (IVM), Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidy (PGT-A), Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Monogenic Disorders (PGT-M), and Endometrial Receptivity Analysis (ERA). These advanced treatments are tailored to meet the unique needs of each patient, ensuring the highest chances of success. 

As part of the First Anniversary celebrations, FertiCARE IVF Centre is delighted to extend a special offer to its patrons. Until March 31^st, 2024, the centre is offering FREE Consultation, Scan, and IUI, along with an exclusive 50% discount on IVF procedures. This initiative reaffirms the center’s commitment to making fertility treatments more accessible and affordable for all. 

“We are thrilled to mark our First Anniversary by extending this special offer to our valued patients. It is our fervent hope that this gesture will empower more individuals and couples to take the first step towards fulfilling their dreams of parenthood,” said Dr. Prathyusha. 

FertiCARE IVF Centre invites the community to join them in celebrating life, love, and the journey towards parenthood. Dr Ujwala Jasti & Dr Sravani Reddy, Co-founders of FertiCARE Centre have participated in the celebrations.

Blake Hammond brings more than 20 years of culinary experience to the corporate food service company.

(St. Louis, Mo., Feb. 29, 2024) – Apex Restaurant & Market Solutions recently hired Blake Hammond as Executive Chef for its Elite Cuisine corporate dining and catering services. His responsibilities include overseeing the company’s food preparation processes, as well as creating diverse menus focused on variety and quality. Hammond will manage a kitchen staff who will provide nutritional meals for their customers.

Hammond brings more than 20 years of culinary experience to Apex Restaurant & Market Solutions, the largest independently owned corporate food service company based in Missouri with offices in St. Louis, Kansas City, Colorado, and Iowa.

Prior to joining Apex, Hammond was the Director of Operations for MG Foods, which was known as Company Kitchen before being acquired by Compass Group USA. He previously served as the Chef/Director for the company’s commissary in Kansas City. Hammond worked for nearly 15 years in various capacities including as Executive Chef at Rock Island Arsenal, an Army base in Illinois with three different cafes where he helped feed 3,000 customers per day. Earlier in his career, Hammond served as the PGA Tour’s Executive Chef for eight years.

“Blake is a strategic operations innovator who builds effective teams to carry out his culinary vision,” said Apex Restaurant & Market Solutions Founding Partner Jim Schweppe. “We welcome Blake as both a team leader and talented addition to our organization, and we look forward to all he will accomplish in the upcoming years.”

Apex Restaurant and Market Solutions

Apex is a full-service provider that supplies catering, in-office cafes and coffee, and vending services for its corporate clients. Apex has more than 270 micro markets located in office and manufacturing facilities across Missouri, Colorado, and Iowa. These convenient self-checkout markets offer employees a wide selection of healthy food and quality beverage options. Approximately 10% of Apex’s micro markets are hybrid facilities, which feature a chef-prepared hot food component available for purchase. Apex also offers Elite Cuisine, its flagship culinary experience that handles all corporate dining and catering services. For more information about Apex Restaurant & Market Solutions, call (866) 607-4400 and visit www.apexrefresh.com.

David Drda previously worked as an Account Manager for sister company Powers Insurance & Risk Management.

(St. Louis, Mo., Feb. 23, 2024) David Drda was recently hired as an Alliance Coordinator for Valley Insurance Agency Alliance (VIAA), a cohesive family of more than 160 independent insurance agencies in Missouri and Illinois. His responsibilities include generating a systematic approach to information gathering, analysis, and problem solving. Drda will also assist alliance member agencies with system processing and carrier code updates.

Drda brings 12 years of insurance industry experience to the alliance. Prior to joining VIAA, Drda served as an Account Manager for sister company Powers Insurance & Risk Management where he helped clients with policy services. He previously worked at various Illinois insurance agencies in numerous capacities. Drda earned his Associate of Arts degree and Associate of Science degree in Business Management from Southwestern Illinois College in Belleville, Ill.

“We moved David from Powers to VIAA based upon his strong detail-oriented skill set,” said Valley Insurance Agency Alliance’s co-founder Henry Powers. “Our alliance continues to grow its membership, and David is the ideal candidate to work with onboarding new agencies to ensure efficiency and profitability.”

Founded in 2006, Valley Insurance Agency Alliance generates more than $600 million in written premium and is the regional founding member SIAA – The Agent Alliance, a $12.5 billion national insurance network. Founded in 1991, sister company Powers Insurance & Risk Management provides personal and business insurance, surety, risk management, and employee benefits. The companies are headquartered at 6825 Clayton Ave. For more information, call (314) 725-1414 or visit www.viaa4u.com.

Lauren Elizabeth Gulli and Connor Kay bring extensive marketing background to the growing company.

(St. Louis, Mo., Feb. 16, 2024) – Leif Assurance, a full-service insurance agency that exclusively handles construction insurance, recently hired Lauren Elizabeth Gulli as Brand Marketing Specialist and Connor Kay as Digital Marketing Specialist.

(L to R) Lauren Elizabeth Gulli, Brand Marketing Specialist and Connor Kay, Digital Marketing Specialist.

Gulli’s responsibilities include developing and executing effective marketing campaigns to enhance brand visibility and drive business growth. She will focus on creating strategies and managing content to best engage target audiences. Prior to joining Leif Assurance, Gulli worked as a Marketing Director for a business consulting firm. Gulli earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Multimedia Studies from Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton, Fla.

As Digital Marketing Specialist, Kay will use various digital platforms to optimize Leif Assurance’s marketing campaigns. He also will ensure the company’s online presence aligns with its long-term goals. Prior to joining Leif Assurance, Kay worked as a Business Development Representative at a Chicago law firm. He previously was the Digital Media Planner for a contemporary clothing label company. Kay earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture Communications and Media Advertising from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in Urbana, Il.

“Lauren and Connor add comprehensive experience and insight to our marketing team,” said Leif Assurance CEO JD Powers. “They understand how to create messaging that focuses on our customer’s needs while staying true to our organization’s objectives. Both are a welcome addition to our growing company.”

Founded in 2022, Leif Assurance offers actionable risk management, as well as data-driven pricing models to build the most accurate risk profiles so contractors are rewarded for safe job sites with earned insurance savings. Leif provides cost-effective and comprehensive insurance solutions for worker’s compensation, general liability, builders’ risk, inland marine, and commercial auto.

Leif Assurance is the sister company of Powers Insurance & Risk Management and Valley Insurance Agency Alliance (VIAA), a cohesive family of more than 160 independent insurance agencies in Missouri and Illinois. Powers Insurance & Risk Management is one of the largest family owned and operated independent insurance agencies in the bi-state region. All three companies are located at 6825 Clayton Ave. For more information about Leif Assurance, call (314) 202-4200 or visit www.leifassurance.com.

Fundraiser to support the nonprofit’s period supply program.

(St. Louis, Mo., Feb. 3, 2024) — The St. Louis Area Diaper Bank will hold its fourth annual Bloody Mary Brunch on Sun., March 24 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at its headquarters located at 6141 Etzel Ave. The event, open to those 21 years of age and older, will feature a Bloody Mary and mimosa bar plus light brunch. Tickets are $60 per person, and all monetary donations will support the Diaper Bank’s period supply program, which helps nearly 35,000 girls and women annually with period kits.

Attendees will have the interactive opportunity to count, sort, and pack period supply kits for local school partners. Other activities include raffles, a glitterati photo station, and a brief presentation about the agency’s efforts to end period poverty in St. Louis.

The period supply program distributes period supplies through community partners and advocates for the elimination of “period poverty”. In 2024, 900,000 period supplies will be distributed in St. Louis, with 20,000 period supplies allocated each week. Two-thirds of low-income women in St. Louis cannot afford menstrual hygiene products, with 46% of low-income women having to choose between food and period supplies.

The St. Louis Area Diaper Bank, founded in 2014, provides diaper and period supply access to the region’s low-income families and raises community awareness about the causes and consequences of diaper need and period poverty. The nonprofit is a member of the National Diaper Bank Network and its sister organization Alliance for Period Supplies, a nationwide nonprofit dedicated to eliminating diaper need and “period poverty” in America. The period supply program ensures access to menstrual hygiene products, which allows full participation in daily life with dignity.

For more information about the Bloody Mary Brunch or to donate, call (314) 624-0888 or visit their website.

Second and third generation to lead the 65-year-old business into the future.

(St. Louis, Mo., Jan. 30, 2024) Siblings Jeff, Cindy and Brad Lefton announced they have taken ownership of Psychological Associates (PA), a company co-founded by their late father Dr. Robert Lefton and the late Dr. Victor Buzzotta in 1958. The siblings are now sole co-owners of the consulting company that improves business performance through its leadership and talent development services.

The company’s new single-family ownership consists of a 25-person team, with Dr. Lefton’s granddaughter Jessica Lefton being promoted to Director of Marketing and Communications. Dr. David Rowan was also promoted and named Head of Learning & Development. Former partner Ann Buzzotta, daughter of the late Dr. Buzzotta, plans to form her own Hawaii-based business.

“This news is meaningful because it ensures the continuity of our family’s 65-year-old business,” said co-owner Cindy Lefton. “It is important to us that we honor our father’s legacy by carrying it forward.”

PA plans to introduce several improvements to their services in the upcoming year: a new online platform to enhance coaching engagements through personalized resource sharing and progress tracking; a streamlined assessment process that allows consultants to spend more time on operational job fit and less time on report writing mechanics; and the web-based “Q4 Compass” client portal for real-time status updates throughout the client assessment process.

“The Lefton family is fully aligned with Psychological Associates’ focus on world-class solutions,” said PA’s CEO Clay Hildebrand. “Recent investments in our people and technology, underscored by the Lefton’s commitment to our success, make our organization well-positioned for the future.”

Pictured from left to right are Psychological Associates co-owners Jeff, Cindy, and Brad Lefton.

Psychological Associates

Psychological Associates helps clients select, develop, and retain their best leaders, enabling them to build exceptional organizations. Its exclusive Q4 Dimensional® Model of Behavior™ – an industry-renowned structure that categorizes observable actions into understandable groupings – inspires high performance while attaining comprehensive results. Consulting capabilities include talent assessment, leadership development, succession planning, people analytics, and executive coaching. Founded in 1958, Psychological Associates is headquartered at 8000 Maryland Ave. in Clayton, Mo. For more information, call (314) 725-7771 or visit www.q4solutions.com.